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Please contact Mrs. Shirley Sandoval
Instructional Veterinary Technologist (509-335-0741)
sis@vetmed.wsu.edu or Ms. Sallie Bayly
Registered Veterinary (509-335-0711) Technician
shenson@vetmed.wsu.edu
for more
information about scheduling clinical cases
Clinical
Service
Our team oversees a case load of over 600 cases per year from
neighboring herds or referred by practitioners across the Pacific
Northwest as well as other states.
Our college has specialists in all areas of veterinary medicine who
are available to consult on special problems which require advanced
diagnostic or therapeutic techniques.
The anesthesia group provides the highest standard of care for the
management of anesthesia in critically ill or pregnant camelids.
This team is also involved in research on alpacas, evaluating heart
function with various anesthesia and pain management protocols. A
cardiologist provides consultation for advanced techniques in the
evaluation of heart disorders of camelids.
Our teams of equine and small animal surgeons provide a wide range
of advanced surgical techniques. To cite a few recent examples: a
neurosurgeon working with radiologists diagnosed and treated a
pregnant female alpaca with a brain hemorrhage and a small animal
surgeon was able to correct a congenital urination problem in a cria.
This cria, although not suitable for reproduction, is now leading a
healthy and comfortable life.
Pathologists and diagnosticians from the
Washington Animal Disease
Diagnostic Lab (WADDL) provide diagnostic support using
histopathology, microbiology, toxicology, virology and parasitology.
Leading veterinary virologists at WSU are studying viral infections
in camelids and their significance in diseases such as abortion, as
well as studying the immune response to vaccination against specific
disease agents. Immunologists have also been able to define a
syndrome of immunodeficiency in llamas and alpacas and are working
diligently on an early diagnosis technique.
Education
Veterinary Curriculum
We at WSU are very aware of the importance of camelids and the
shortage of veterinarians with the necessary skills to care for
them. We have instituted several changes in our curriculum to
provide a strong training program for all our graduates.
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First year veterinary students received 3 hours of introductory
lectures and one laboratory to learn about the behavior, nutrition
and handling of camelids.
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All students are exposed to the practice of camelid medicine
during their senior year.
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A one credit course is especially designed for the study of camelid medicine and surgery
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Students with special interest in camelid medicine and surgery
may join a student club which organizes various activities under the
mentorship of a faculty member.
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Annually, two students who demonstrate a special interest and
ability in camelid medicine and surgery, receive the camelid
scholarship awarded by the Western Washington Alpaca Breeders
Association.
As a result of these efforts, each year, at least 2 of our
veterinary graduates chose to work in a strictly or predominately
camelid practice.
Graduate students are currently studying the following aspects of
camelids
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reproductive physiology
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reproductive disorders
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anesthesia and pain management
Continuing Education for Veterinarians
Our team is solicited by regional, national and international
veterinary organizations for presentations on various topics in
veterinary care of camelids.
Extension and Continuing Education for
Breeders
Our team participates regularly as speakers in regional and national
camelid breeders associations. We have also been offering
online
educational programs for breeders concerning management of camelids.
Research
Our team of clinicians and scientists has contributed several papers
in scientific journals as well as presentations at international and
national meetings.
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